Odds & Ends: Clay Aiken's On Track to Be a Washington Idol, Denzel's Surprise & Ramin Brings It Home

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Broadway Alum Clay Aiken On Track to Be a Washington Idol
It doesn’t look like the American Idol runner-up will be in second place this time. Clay Aiken is currently holding a lead of less than 400 votes in his attempt to become the Democratic nominee for a North Carolina congressional seat. According to the L.A. Times, the Broadway alum won 40.85% of the 2nd congressional district primary vote, with his opponent Keith Crisco garnering 39.54%. No word yet on whether Crisco, who says the election is still too close to call, will request a recount.

Denzel Washington's Surprise Broadway Appearance
A Raisin in the Sun's Denzel Washington surprised the audience with a special appearance during the awards ceremony for the 2014 Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition, then greeted the contestants afterwards. The event, at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, featured high school students from around the U.S. performing monologues by the late, legendary American playwright. Ashley Herbert won first place and a $1500 prize, with Robert Upton winning $750 as runner-up and an honorable mention and $500 going to Atiauna Grant.

Ramin Brings It Home for Katie
Ramin Karimloo recently stopped by Katie Couric’s talk show to chat all things Les Miz and to perform “Bring Him Home." Check out the Tony nominee’s acoustic performance of the classic song below, then take an exclusive Broadway.com look at what happened behind the scenes at Katie in this week’s edition of Vlogger 24601.